The JWST Early Release Science Program for the Direct Imaging & Spectroscopy of Exoplanetary Systems

Understand

The direct characterization of exoplanetary systems with high contrast imaging is among the highest priorities for the broader exoplanet community.

• As large space missions will be necessary for detecting and characterizing exo-Earth twins, developing the techniques and technology for direct imaging of exoplanets is a driving focus for the community.
• For the first time, JWST will directly observe extrasolar planets at mid-infrared wavelengths beyond 5$\mu$m, deliver detailed spectroscopy revealing much more precise chemical abundances and atmospheric conditions, and provide sensitivity to analogs of our solar system ice-giant planets at wide orbital separations, an entirely new class of exoplanet.
• However, in order to maximise the scientific output over the lifetime of the mission, an exquisite understanding of the instrumental performance of JWST is needed as early in the mission as possible.